By: Emma Helmick 

Fans of Dancing with the Stars continue to watch on the edge of their seats as celebrities become dancers and waltz towards the Mirrorball trophy. 

After the 500^th episode on Nov. 12, NBA player Dwight Howard and pro Daniella Karagach were eliminated after scoring a 26/30 in their Argentine Tango and a 48/60 on their instant dance.  

Nov. 19 was the semi-finals. 

Along with the judges, fans across America can also vote by texting their favorites to a number up to ten times. 

Four couples remain, Chandler Kinney and her partner Brandon Armstrong, Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson, Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner Rylee Arnold and Ilona Maher and her partner Alan Bersten. 

“I would like to see Ilona go home because while I like her, I don’t think she is as strong as the other competitors,” Chorus Director Ms. Maurissa Auer said. 

But after the semi-finals, Ms. Auer changed her mind about the Rugby Olympian. 

“I think after watching the semi-finals, I can tell she seemed a lot more confident and more sure of herself,” Auer said. 

When it came to eliminations, fans were shocked to see that all couples survived. 

“Rylee and Stephen are my favorites because Stephen was on the national gymnastics team, and I feel like they dance really well together,” junior Reese Price said. 

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Price re-watches an episode in her free time.

Picture by: Emma Helmick

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Nedoroscik is a two-time Olympic medalist, and this is Arnold’s second year as a Dancing with the Stars professional dancer. 

“Even though Jenna and Joey are my favorite couple, I think Chandler is really good and deserves to win,” senior Sloane Potter said. 

Kinney has managed to be a fan favorite of both viewers and judges by having the best score from the semi-finals. She has been in several shows and movies. 

“I expect Joey and Jenna to end up winning, though,” Potter said. 

Graziadei was on season 20 of the Bachelorette and was the season 28 Bachelor and this is his partner Jenna Johnson’s 8^th season dancing as a pro. 

“The competition has been very high for a few years and this year has been full of very talented couples,” Price said.